SIEM DE JONG is on track to play a part in Newcastle's Premier League clash with Swansea after taking another step towards ending his eight-month injury nightmare.

The 26-year-old Holland midfielder played 72 minutes for the club's Under-21s and set up striker Adam Armstrong for the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa on Tuesday.

It was his second appearance for Peter Beardsley's side since recovering from surgery to repair a collapsed lung and while he admits he is still short of match fitness, he is in contention for a seat on the bench at St James' Park on Saturday.

De Jong said: "The plan always was to be part of that game, to be on the bench. I played 72, 73 minutes and hopefully I can be part of the team next week.

"We will see what happens. I don't think I could play 90 minutes yet, especially not on a level higher, so we will have to build it up and see how it goes."